Please see Natural Resources Overview here.

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AIR QUALITY

SB 726 requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. A possible work session is set for April 2 in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment. A -2 amendment has been posted.

AGRICULTURE

By Sandra Bishop

HB 2647 would allow cities to bring land within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for industrial use. We will likely oppose this proposal unless it is made clear that this bill does not preclude review and adherence to statewide land use planning goals and laws. A public hearing is scheduled 3/31 in the House Housing & Homelessness Committee. A work session is scheduled 4/7.

HB 3928 would allow counties to supersede all statewide land use planning laws to site housing on rural lands. The League will likely oppose this bill. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing 3/31 and work session 4/7 in the House Housing & Homelessness Committee.

 HB 3496 requires the Development of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to write guidelines for citing childcare facilities to be used by city and county governments, including recommendations for childcare as a home occupation. Work session is scheduled 4/01 in House Early Childhood and Human Service Committee.

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) meeting on March 20th included a public hearing on rulemaking for solar siting in eastern Oregon. The rules are required to implement HB 3409 (2023 session), specifically to reduce conflicts in siting solar projects. The rules will be considered for adoption by July 1st, 2025. The final meeting of the Rules Advisory Committee will be April 4th. The public comment period ends April 11th.

 Proposed rule amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 660 divisions 4, 6, 23, and 33, pertaining to Goal Exceptions, Forest Lands, Goal 5, and Agricultural Lands. Submit comments to:denise.johnson@dlcd.oregon.gov, gordon.howard@dlcd.oregon.gov, jon.jinings@dlcd.oregon.gov, adam.tate@dlcd.oregon.gov 

SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill, will have a possible work session scheduled on April 8 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire. LWVOR testified in support of SB 78.

BOTTLE BILL UPDATE

By Sandra Bishop

HB 3940, the omnibus wildfire funding bill, will have a public hearing and possible work session April 1. A -1 amendment (Rep. Lively’s amendment) and -2 amendment (removing the surcharge on bottle bill sections) have been posted on OLIS.    

There are two bottle bill related bills still alive and at least one of them is kicking. The other is a sidekick, or fallback plan in case the important one gets bogged down.

Eight bills related to Oregon’s bottle bill have surfaced so far this session. Six of the bills did not receive a hearing by the deadline, but the content of four of these bills is being amended into one bill. Three bills are not moving forward in any form.

Wine bottles are not going to be added to the Oregon bottle bill. HB 3433 would have included wine bottles under the Oregon bottle bill. It’s likely that wine bottles will never be part of the stream of beverage containers redeemed under Oregon’s bottle bill. Wine in cans will be covered under the bottle bill beginning July 1, 2025 as a result of legislation that passed in the 2022 Oregon Legislature. Wine bottles will be folded into the recycling system one way or another. The wine industry has until July 1, 2025 to decide whether to join the bottle bill redemption system or be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling wine bottles through the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) system that was passed in 2021 as part of the Recycling Modernization Act. The failure of HB 3433 to move this session would seem to indicate that wine bottles will ultimately fall under the EPR. In that case, wine purveyors have until July 2026 to get wine bottles firmly on the recovery and recycling path. The distributors cooperative responsible for handling the majority of redeemed beverage containers in the state does not want the expense of weighty wine bottles in their redemption system. The cost of handling wine glass in the current deposit system would be very high with no real-world value from recycled glass to balance it out.

Two other bottle bill related proposals are not moving this session:

SB 963 would direct the OLCC to establish a grant program to facilitate setting up redemption centers in each city with a population greater than 10,000. It called for an appropriation of $5 million. This bill did not receive a hearing.

SB 329 would require the distributor cooperative that redeems and recycles beverage containers to implement and manage a system for reusable beverage containers. It would dictate sales rates and require 5% of all beverage containers sold in Oregon by Jan 2031 be reusable. This would racket up to 25% by Jan 2036. The bill would mandate return rates for reusable beverage containers starting at 60% by Jan 2034 and increasing to 95% return rate by Jan 2038. No hearing was held.

SB 992 with the -3 amendment is the omnibus bottle bill with various changes proposed to Oregon’s beverage container redemption system. It is scheduled for work session April 2nd in Senate Energy & Environment Committee. The League has not taken a position on the various changes proposed in this bill, but the League has always supported the bottle bill and continues to support the most appropriate, effective, and environmentally sound recycling and recovery of beverage container materials. Contained in the bill and possible amendments: 

• Returned beverage containers must be accepted for redemption during the hours 8am to 8pm when the business is otherwise open for business. They may refuse to accept during all other hours. SB 869

• A winery may refuse to accept and pay the refund for beverage containers of a brand and size they don’t sell. HB 3432 OLCC may deny or revoke approval for operating a redemption center if determined that it is having or may have a negative impact on the livability of the surrounding area that outweighs the convenience to the public for redeeming beverage containers.

• HB 2921 – siting and approval of redemption centers] Authorizes OLCC to approve one or more Alternative Access Redemption Centers (alternative to a full-service redemption center) at which people may return beverage containers and receive payment of refund value. This is intended to make it easier for individuals who redeem beverage containers on a daily or near daily basis. Requires Alternative Redemption Centers be established and operated by a nonprofit that has entered into an agreement with a distributor cooperative and is located within a city with a population greater than 500,000 (Portland). Some large dealers (sellers) that occupy 5,000 square feet or more, that choose  not to participate in the Alternative Redemption Center must accept and refund up to 350 beverage containers per person per day and must provide services equivalent to the Alternative Redemption Center.

• HB 2068 – Alternative Access Redemption Centers]

• SB 869  is a stand-alone bill that is still standing. This bill would limit the hours during which beverage containers must be redeemed; 8am to 8pm when the business is otherwise open for business. This is an Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) - sponsored bill. It seems to be a backup plan. The limited hours requirement is included in SB 992 but if that bill fails to move on April 2nd at least the same proposal has a chance of passing in SB 869 during an April 9th hearing & possible work session scheduled in the Senate Energy & Environment Committee.

BUDGETS/REVENUE

By Peggy Lynch

Per a press release from Senate President Wagner: “On Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority announced that $117 million in federal money for state health programs in Oregon has been canceled by the Trump administration, a decision that will harm Oregonians across the state.

These COVID-era grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were ended more than a year earlier than expected, which will cause disruptions within OHA and for the people these programs serve.”  

The  Co-Chairs of Ways and Means provided their framework for the 2025-27 state budget.  Note on the last page the potential effect of federal budget cuts. This Oregonlive article suggests some of the most painful cuts.

Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: 

• Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Meeting Materials 

• Dept. of Agriculture Fees:  SB 5503 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26.

• Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13

• Dept. of Environmental Quality:  SB 5520. Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet info mtgs. April 7-8, public hearing April 9

• Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials, public hearing 2/11

• Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11

• Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife:  HB 5009, public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Meeting Materials, Apr. 3 ODFW Hatchery Assessment;  

• Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521. info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials  (See Wildfire section for more information.)

• Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials;  LWVOR testimony; Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4, mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836, a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. A work session is set for March 25 to be moved to another committee.  HB 2785  modifying fees for DOGAMI is scheduled for a work session April 2nd to move it to another committee 

• Dept. of Land Conservation and Development:  SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation;  Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony   

• Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony. SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase (Passed the Senate Mar. 11. Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.)  

• Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021; Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials 

• Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026  info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. 

• Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Info hearing March 17. public hearing March 19. Meeting Materials. LWVOR testimony in support.  

• Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet;  Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget.  Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here. Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20.  Meeting Materials. LWVOR testimony. And the fee bills: support HB 2808 (Public hearing March 31; Work session April 7) and HB 2803 (Public hearing  March 31; Work session set for April 7). 

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039. Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR  testimony.  Meeting Materials 

• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26 

• Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024;Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hearing 3/18

• Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517  info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; 

• Office of the Governor: SB 5523 

• Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20.  

• Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11

• Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06.  Meeting Materials  

• Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016

• Lottery Bonds: SB 5531: an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing in April. 

• Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be a vehicle to accept testimony from the public during six community meetings around the state from March 22 ending April 25 on the public’s priorities for the 2025-27 budget.

• General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505: an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing in April.  

• Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.)

CLIMATE

By Claudia Keith and Team

See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections.

COASTAL

A work session was held March 26 for the Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580), a bill for kelp and eel grass conservation. The League signed on to a letter in support. of HB 3580. The -2 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means.  A work session is scheduled on March 31 on a bill to protect Rocky Habitat (HB 3587). Here is a one-pager: Rocky Habitat Stewardship Bill (HB 3587). The League also signed on to a letter in support.  A -3 amendment will be considered. We asked for funding for a staffer in the Dept. of Land Development and Conservation budget to continue to address rocky habitat, an element of the Territorial Sea Plan which the League has supported as elements were added and updated over the years.  

HB 3786 is a bill that would provide new funding for the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST).  The League has supported the creation and funding for this important program in the past and are hopeful that this bill will move to Ways and Means and receive final approval. Minor edit in -1 amendment. Work session scheduled March 31.

DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) 

By Peggy Lynch

The League supports SB 830, a bill that modifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. The bill passed the full Senate March 6 and has been assigned to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment.

Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage. Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to  Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via  GovDelivery.

The League again served on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases.  A meeting was held on Feb. 25th where the committee agreed to forward their recommendation for the allowed annual 3% fee increase to the DEQ Director. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025.

DEPT. OF  STATE LANDS (DSL)

DSL is seeking comments on a proposed sale of state-owned land located on the south shore of the western side of Hayden Island in Multnomah County. The 45-day comment period is open from March 5 – April 19.

ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF)

The Dept. of State Lands is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan. Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (PDF). The comment period has been extended to 5p on April 7. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings.    

EMERGENCY SERVICES

By Rebecca Gladstone

The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House. The Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs passed and is on the Senate floor, awaiting third reading.

FORESTRY (ODF)

By Josie Koehne

The League will continue to follow SB 1051, assigned to the Senate Rules Committee and which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. A public hearing was held March 24.  Because the bill is in Senate Rules, there is no current deadline for action on the bill.

HB 3103, a bill that would direct the State Forester to establish “sustainable” harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and develop a timber inventory model to inform sustainable harvest levels while ignoring the court affirmed “greatest permanent value” was heard on March 3rd in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. The League  OPPOSED. A work session is scheduled for March 31. A new -5 amendment has been posted on OLIS.  

See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section.

GOVERNANCE

The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking.  After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws.  That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation.  But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies.  

Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies:

This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter.

This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review.   

The League also attended a separate rules process discussion led by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development, with attendance from two of the Governor’s Natural Resource staff.  This is part of a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. The League will continue to be engaged with potential meetings in May and June.  

We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255, HB 2303, HB 2402 and HB 2427.  We are also concerned with HB 3382, since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites.  We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership.  

Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules.  We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692, a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures.

LAND USE & HOUSING

By Sandra Bishop/Peggy Lynch

Bills we are following: 

• HB 2138: Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor. A public hearing was held on March 3rd  and another on March 26 in House Committee On Housing and Homelessness. A -2 amendment may be considered from Rep. Marsh and a -4 amendment is being offered by Rep. Boshart Davis at a work session on April 2. 

• HB 3145:  Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. A work session was held and the -2 amendment was adopted. The bill was sent to Ways and Means due to the fiscal impact statement.

• HB 2950: A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns. Scheduled for a Work Session March 31st in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. A -4 amendment has been posted.  It provides specific direction to DLCD on appointees to help with rulemaking and further instructions on funding and rulemaking directions.  Because of the requirement to do rulemaking, the bill, if passed by the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means. 

• HB 2316: Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. A public hearing was held March 26. A work session is set for April 2nd. There is a -1 amendment and a -2 amendment posted on OLIS.  We understand there might be a -3 amendment considered at the work session.   

• HB 3062:  Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A public hearing is scheduled for April 1 and work session on April 3. 

See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report.

WATER

By Peggy Lynch

The League continues to follow the update of the Integrated Water Resources Strategy. See this  YouTube presentation and discussion. We should see the next draft out for public comment in the next month. The League is pleased to see some of the concerns we expressed on the last draft have been addressed.

Bills we are following in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water:  

• Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority (HB 3806). Work Session scheduled for April 7.

• Water Right Process Improvements (HB 3342). Work Session scheduled for April 7.

• Contested Case Process Improvements (HB 3544). Another public hearing will be held April 2 and a work session is set for April 7.

• Place-Based Water Planning (HB 3116) Work Session scheduled for April 7. League supports.

• Chewaucan Basin Collaborative (HB 3114) A -4 amendment was adopted.  Because of the fiscal impact statement, the bill was sent to Ways and Means.  

• Harney Basin Groundwater Management (HB 3800) A work session is set for April 7.

• 3/31: Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees (HB 2803, HB 2808) League supports. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. Public hearing scheduled for March 31 and Work Session for April 7 on both bills.

• 4/2: Water Rights and Public Interest (HB 3501) Work Session set for April 7.

• Other water bills we are following: 

• HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing.  The League submitted  testimony in support. Work session set for March 31.

• HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session. Work session set for April 7.   

• HB 3364  makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept.  Testimony provided comments and concerns with agreement that all parties would continue to work on finding agreement on an amendment.  A -2 amendment may be considered. Work session set for March 31

• HB 2988:  Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A work session is scheduled for April 7.

• HB 3573, a bill that addresses funding for a variety of water measurement strategies.  The League supports. No work session was scheduled.  However, a new bill, HB 3343, with the -3 amendment will be considered  in a public hearing April 2 and work session on April 7.   

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LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427, a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. Possible work session scheduled for April 8. SB 1153, an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, may have more of a chance of passage.  It had a public hearing on March 25 with a work session also set for April 8. 

HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League

provided testimony in support. A work session is scheduled for April 7 in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water where a -1 amendment was shared that would create an entire multi-agency system for gathering the water data needed for good decision making. The League has yet to determine if this new proposal is good for Oregon. See the following presentations and presentations. The League has not weighed in on the amendment. 

The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills, the 2025 Water Package. There is a Water Caucus raising the awareness of the need to address Oregon’s water needs. 

League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor, a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. 

We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.”  Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. House Bill 3314, sponsored by state Reps. Rob Nosse and Mark Gamba, would direct about $1 million to Oregon State University to finish designing a channel that would cut through Ross Island. See coverage here. The -1 amendment was adopted and, due to the fiscal impact statement, was sent to Ways and Means. 

WETLANDS

A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters.

WILDFIRE

By Carolyn Mayers

HB 3940, the omnibus wildfire funding bill, will have a public hearing and possible work session April 1. A -1 amendment (Rep. Lively’s amendment) and -2 amendment (removing the surcharge on bottle bill sections) have been posted on OLIS. The League or Oregon Cities has been closely following the Legislature’s work on trying to craft bills to try and implement some of the recommendations of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup. This helpful summary published March 21 succinctly describes this wildfire funding framework. 

SB 75 defines "high wildfire hazard area" for purposes of developing an accessory dwelling unit on lands zoned for rural residential uses or a replacement dwelling on lands zoned for resource uses.  A public hearing was held March 27.  A work session is set for April 3. A -3 amendment,   -2 amendment  and -1 amendment may each be considered.  

We are following SB 82A, a bill that modifies consultations that are required for a grant process that supports work conducted by the Oregon Conservation Corps Program (OCC Program). It appropriates funding for grant-supported projects related to the OCC Program. The measure declares an emergency, effective on passage. Due to the fiscal impact statement, the bill was sent to Ways and Means.   

Sadly, both Oregon and Washington face budget woes per this OPB article. 

March 18 brought a Public Hearing on HB 3666 -1 before the House Committee on Judiciary. This bill would require an electric public utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification, and allow a consumer-owned utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification. It aims to address inconsistencies in the current mitigation process undertaken by utilities. A Work Session is scheduled for April 1. This article from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle describes recent tweaks to the bill meant to allay fears over the original bill relieving utilities of liability.

The League was pleased to see SB 85, a bill that directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program, will have a public hearing on April 1 and a work session on April 3. A -1 amendment has been posted on OLIS. 

Bills we are watching:

• Senate Bill 1051, Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester.

• HB 3077, a bill which would allow local government employees to volunteer for up to 30 days in a year to serve as volunteers in wildland fire suppression in emergency situations. A work session will be held April 1.

• SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. A work session is set for April 2.

Volunteers Needed 

What is your passion related to Natural Resources?  You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com. Training will be offered.

Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency, Governance, and Social Policy report sections.